"Think of the unhappy state of France."
"I have had reason enough to think of it to-night, mademoiselle. My father and my sister——" his voice faltered.
"I know," said the girl sympathetically, and, indeed, she was deeply grieved for the misfortunes of the faithful and devoted old man and the young girl she had loved. She waited a moment and then continued. "The Emperor is at last facing defeat. His cause is hopeless."
"He yet lives," answered the soldier softly.
"Yes, of course," said the woman. "I do not understand the military situation, but my friends——"
"Will monsieur allow me the favor of a word?" interposed the chief Russian officer courteously.
"If it is not to summon assistance you may speak," replied Marteau.
"As a soldier you know the situation as well as I," continued the Russian. "Prince Von Schwarzenberg has Napoleon in his grasp. He will hold him until he is ready to seize him, while Field-Marshal Blücher takes Paris."
"The Emperor yet lives," said Marteau, repeating his former remark with more emphasis and smiling somewhat scornfully. "It is not wise to portion the lion's skin while it covers his beating heart," he added meaningly.
"Not even the genius of your Emperor," persisted the Russian more earnestly, "will avail now, monsieur. He is lost, his cause as well. Why, this very convoy tells the story. We intercepted letters that told how pressing was its need. Your army is without arms, without food, without clothes."